Ahead of their highly-anticipated welcome in Auckland, the winning crew of Emirates Team New Zealand arrived in Dubai, home of main sponsors Emirates, on Monday to proudly celebrate their America's Cup win.

Emirates Team New Zealand and 'Auld Mug' were welcomed at Emirates Group headquarters by Sir Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline, and Gary Chapman, president Group Services and dnata, along with Jeremy Clarke Watson, New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE.

Later in the morning, Emirates employees were given the chance to take pictures with the America's Cup trophy.

Emirates' sponsorship of Team New Zealand dates back to 2004 and has helped bring the Emirates brand to many parts of the world. Emirates announced its renewed commitment to Team New Zealand in March 2015 as the team took steps towards mounting their challenge for the 35th America's Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport and the pinnacle of world sailing. The team has held a number of America's Cup titles including clinching the trophy in 1995 and successfully defending the title in 2000. Emirates Team New Zealand celebrated an overwhelming victory last week at the final match-off in Bermuda taking the 35th America's Cup in a 7-1 win over Oracle Team USA.

After the title victory, Team NZ boss Grant Dalton had said: "We just can't wait to get home."

Emirates has been committed to New Zealand since 2003, and the airline currently operates 35 return flights per week to New Zealand via its two gateways, Auckland and Christchurch.

And apart from Team New Zealand players and officials, the cup is also getting deluxe treatment as they fly home from the America's Cup in Bermuda first class. The silverware Auld Mug stands 1.1m tall and weighs more than 14kg, and is safely ensconced in its Louis Vuitton suitcase.

Meanwhile, details of Emirates Team New Zealand's Americas Cup victory parade have been announced with the cup set to be greeted by tens of thousands of proud Kiwis lining Auckland's Viaduct Harbour on Thursday to welcome the winning crew.

Start at 12.30pm on the corner of Wakefield St and Queen St, the parade will run down to Princes Wharf and the team will then do a sail past ending at the Queens Wharf even as ticker tape, banners, plenty of Team New Zealand flags and patriotic cheering will welcome the men home.

Source: Khaleej Times